Objective:

The objectives of this research project are
to: (1) examine the association between particulate matter (PM) with an aerodiameter
of 2.5
µm (PM2.5) and the incidence of asthmatic events in children; and (2) explore
dose-response relationships between ambient air quality levels in a Midwestern
community and severity of asthma symptoms.

Approach:

A multicenter prevalence study is proposed in three
to five major metropolitan locations of the tricounty Michigan area (Genesee,
Wayne, and
Saginaw). Air pollution data will be extracted from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) air monitoring stations in or near these
areas. The PM2.5 level will be collected and averaged over 24-hour periods.
Ozone,
SO2, and CO are among the pollutant data to be extracted. Daily counts of
admission to a hospital for asthma-related illness will be determined over
the same 1-year
period. Discharge diagnosis for ICD-9th revision code of 943.90 and 943.91
will be used. The plan of analysis will be modeled on a multivariate regression
estimating the relative risk of an asthmatic admission for individuals on
days with higher pollution levels compared with days of lower pollution levels.

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.